These statutes provide that the Legislature of Nevada has an interest in protecting native species from extinction and sets forth the authority to establish programs to protect designated species. However, if a native species is found to be destructive under the statute, the statute provides for removal if appropriate. Under statute, the ultimate responsibility for management rests with the governor for reviewing state programs and entering into interstate and federal agreements.

503.584. Legislative finding; conservation, protection and propagation of selected species

1. The legislature finds that:

(a) The economic growth of the State of Nevada has been attended with some serious and unfortunate consequences. Nevada has experienced the extermination or extirpation of some of her native species of animals, including fish and vertebrate wildlife. Serious losses have occurred and are occurring in other species of native wild animals with important economic, educational, historical, political, recreational, scientific and aesthetic values.

(b) The people of the State of Nevada have an obligation to conserve and protect the various species of native fish and wildlife that are threatened with extinction.

2. The purpose of NRS 503.584 to 503.589, inclusive, is to provide a program for the:

(a) Conservation, protection, restoration and propagation of selected species of native fish and other vertebrate wildlife, including migratory birds; and

(b) Perpetuation of the populations and habitats of such species. 503.585. Placement of animal threatened with extinction on list of fully protected species; special permit for capture, removal or destruction A species or subspecies of native fish, wildlife and other fauna must be regarded as threatened with extinction when the commission, after consultation with competent authorities, determines that its existence is endangered and its survival requires assistance because of overexploitation, disease or other factors or its habitat is threatened with destruction, drastic modification or severe curtailment. Any animal so declared to be threatened with extinction must be placed on the list of fully protected species, and no member of its kind may be captured, removed or destroyed at any time by any means except under special permit issued by the division.

Added by Laws 1969, p. 773.

503.585. Placement of animal threatened with extinction on list of fully protected species; special permit for capture, removal or destruction

A species or subspecies of native fish, wildlife and other fauna must be regarded as threatened with extinction when the Commission, after consultation with competent authorities, determines that its existence is endangered and its survival requires assistance because of overexploitation, disease or other factors or its habitat is threatened with destruction, drastic modification or severe curtailment. Any animal so declared to be threatened with extinction must be placed on the list of fully protected species, and no member of its kind may be captured, removed or destroyed at any time by any means except under special permit issued by the Department.

503.586. Translocation or destruction of endangered species found to be destructive

Where any bird, mammal or other wildlife which is declared to be in danger of extinction pursuant to NRS 503.585 is found to be destructive of domestic animals or fowl or a menace to health, the Department may provide for its destruction or its removal, alive, for translocating.

The commission shall use its authority to manage land to carry out a program for conserving, protecting, restoring and propagating selected species of native fish, wildlife and other vertebrates and their habitats which are threatened with extinction and destruction.

Added by Laws 1969, p. 774. Amended by Laws 1979, p. 901.

503.588. Governor's responsibilities

The governor shall review the programs which he administers and, to the extent practicable, utilize such programs in furtherance of the purpose of NRS 503.584 to 503.589, inclusive, and shall encourage other state and federal agencies to use their authorities in such a manner. 503.589. Administrator's powers and duties In carrying out the program authorized by NRS 503.584 to 503.589, inclusive, the administrator shall cooperate, to the maximum extent practicable, with other states and with the counties in the State of Nevada, and he may enter into agreements with such other states and counties and with other legal entities for the administration and management of any area established pursuant to NRS 503.584 to 503.589, inclusive, for the conservation, protection, restoration and propagation of species of native fish, wildlife and other fauna which are threatened with extinction.

Added by Laws 1969, p. 774.

503.589. Powers and duties of Director

In carrying out the program authorized by NRS 503.584 to 503.589, inclusive, the Director shall cooperate, to the maximum extent practicable, with other states and with the counties in the State of Nevada, and he may enter into agreements with such other states and counties and with other legal entities for the administration and management of any area established pursuant to NRS 503.584 to 503.589, inclusive, for the conservation, protection, restoration and propagation of species of native fish, wildlife and other fauna which are threatened with extinction.